My Definition of Mindful Teaching
published June 29, 2012
Paul Gooddy for FreeDigitalPhotos.net
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
What is ‘mindful teaching?’
It’s what all good teachers do, whether or not they put a label on it.
It means staying completely focused during each interaction with a student or group of students.
It means reflecting on what my students are learning and how.
It means not making assumptions.
It means realizing that there might not be a “right” answer.
It means not taking everything personally.
It means recognizing how my background and biases impact what and how I teach.
It means balancing the needs of the administration, the students, and the parents or sponsors, but not forgetting my own needs. I can’t help anyone if I’m too burnt out.
Questions to Ask Myself:
Are the students learning what they need to learn? If not, why not?
Where do I need to put my attention?
What am I concerned about? Is it something I can control?
If so, how? If not, how do I let go?